Slab commemorating Andrew Mountbatten Windsor visit could be turned over in Scots town

A slab commemorating a visit to Alloa by Andrew Mountbatten Windsor could be turned over before works takes place to have it removed and replaced.

Members of Clackmannanshire Council backed a motion from council leader Ellen Forson to get rid of the stone on Parliament Way.

The slab – to commemorate the former Duke of York opening Parliament Way in November 2002 – lies on the route close to the council’s Kilncraigs headquarters on the path leading to Alloa Tower.

While getting rid of the mention of the disgraced royal, councillors also supported a proposal for a memorial stone remembering the late Sir George Reid who died in August last year.

Cllr Forson said she was contacted by several constituents about the slab recognising the former prince.

“For me is a straightforward issue about who and why we choose to recognise in our shared civic spaces,” she said.

“Parliament Walk and the idea of commemorations being there was decided long before I was a councillor to commemorate the people who people considered worthy.

“I believe it is appropriate that the existing reference to the former prince Andrew is removed.

“I am aware of various comments about this issue. One made sense of why do we not just turn the slab over – that could be a short -term solution.

“This motion is not just about that issue but about recognition moving forward.

“Since Parliament Walk was established, there have been undoubtedly many individuals with strong connections to Clackmannanshire who may be worthy of commemoration.”

The motion formally asked the council to note the existing slab on Parliament Walk.

It continued: “Council considers that civic honours displayed within our public spaces must command public confidence and reflect the values and integrity expected by our communities, and that it is therefore appropriate to review recognitions where serious concerns have arisen.

“Council therefore agrees that the existing slab referencing the former Prince Andrew be removed from Parliament Walk.

“That it be replaced with a fitting and permanent commemoration to George Reid, recognising his exceptional and long-standing service to Clackmannanshire and to Scotland — as Member of Parliament, Member of the Scottish Parliament, Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, Lord Lieutenant of Clackmannanshire, and Freeman of the County.

“Council acknowledges in particular his distinguished tenure as Presiding Officer, during which he helped shape and strengthen Scotland’s devolved Parliament, and affirms that his contribution to public life and to Clackmannanshire merits lasting recognition within our civic landscape.”

Council officers have now been tasked with returning with a proposed design and wording for the replacement slab.

Cllr Forson said Sir Reid’s contribution continued to resonate across the Wee County and wider.

“Adding a slab that commemorates George Reid is about recognising his contribution but also, in moving forward, we are ensuring that what we choose to commemmorate are people who are important to Clackmannanshire.”

Clackmannanshire East councillor, Scott Harrison, said it was “entirely appropriate” to review a commemoration if conduct drops below the expected standard.

“Given the family have removed honours and titles, it is appropriate we remove the slab from Parliament Walk,” he said.

He said George Reid was an “outstanding” nomination for a commemoration on Parliament Walk.

Cllr Harrison continued: “He contributed to public life not only in Clackmannanshire but across the country.

“We should consider adding further nominations. Next year will be 25 years since Parliament Walk was opened.”

Councillor Kenneth Earle, who represents Clackmannanshire South, welcomed the removal of the current slab and the future tribute to Sir Reid.

“George Reid was a gentleman, there is no doubt about that. I met George on numerous occasions and he was just so down to earth.

“If there is anyone who should have a stone laid in memorial, it is George Reid. I look forward to seeing that stone being lifted and one with the name of George Reid clearly emblazoned on it.”

He added: “We talk about removal of the stone. If sportsmen can be awarded the MBE and have it removed from them because they have failed to meet the standards expected of them, then Andrew Mountbaten must surely have this removed.

“His family have recognised there is a serious problem there so I do not se how we can possibly support still having that stone there.”